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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND

SHAPING TOMORROW

s we conclude 2025 and the enduring spirit of environments, our contributors around women in business and
and reflect on another entrepreneurship. offer timely guidance on issues community advancement.
Atransformative year We celebrate the leaders ranging from global tax reform, We are also proud to bring you
for KwaZulu-Natal’s business shaping our province’s economic workplace grievances, and the our new brand – Motor Sense KWAZULU-NATAL
landscape, this December true cost of poor accounting, through which we will explore a BUSINESS CHAMBERS
edition of Business Sense offers future. From reflections on the through to payroll innovation variety of vehicles on our roads.
not just insight but inspiration. R100.1 billion in investment and the importance of strong COUNCIL:
commitments announced at the
At the heart of this issue is KZN Investment Conference partnerships in business and in As we enter the festive season, Chairperson: Paul Ngema
our cover feature on Minenhle education. We also explore the this edition encourages reflection,
Dlamini, managing director of 2025, signalling a new era of importance of reinvention, and gratitude, and renewed ambition. Physical Address:
Gagasi FM, whose leadership growth, to a powerful tribute to the enduring value of integrity May you be inspired to lead with Queens Court Building,
industry stalwart Henk Duys,
journey embodies resilience, whose lifetime of dedication has and long-term vision. heart, approach challenges with 5 Samora Machel Street,
authenticity, and purpose. This month, we proudly boldness, and continue building Durban, 4001
Minenhle’s philosophy, “Create left a legacy in the metals and highlight the grand finale of a future defined by opportunity, Tel: +27 (0)31 305 9867
a culture where everybody engineering sector, this edition the KZN Top Business Women resilience, and shared purpose. E-mail: info@nafcockzn.org.za
showcases excellence in action.
feels like they belong,” sets 2025, a celebration of leadership, Wishing all our readers a
the tone for a publication that As businesses navigate courage, and impact that peaceful and prosperous start Website: www.kznchamber.co.za
honours inclusive leadership increasingly complex continues to shape conversations to 2026. 

A NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR KZN

he 2025 KwaZulu-Natal The 2025 conference builds on
Investment Conference the momentum established in
T(KZNIC 2025), held from 2024 when seventeen companies
22 to 24 October at the Inkosi committed R85.2 billion in fresh
Albert Luthuli International investments. This year marks
Convention Centre, concluded a turning point, with the focus
with verified investment pledges shifting from commitments to
totalling R100.1 billion across 34 visible delivery and long-term
projects, signalling a major step transformation.
towards accelerating inclusive
and sustainable development in Supported by the Premier’s
the province. Office, the Department of
Economic Development, Tourism
Over three decisive days, and Environmental Affairs
KwaZulu-Natal demonstrated its (EDTEA), and a range of private
readiness not merely to attract and public sector partners, the
investment, but to lead South conference highlighted policy
Africa’s economic recovery made has been linked to tracking certainty, ethical governance,
and contribute to Africa’s mechanisms, timeframes, and Key sectors attracting investment The conference prioritised infrastructure development, and
industrial advancement. Far implementation strategies. include: geographical inclusivity, with improved service delivery as core
from a ceremonial gathering, ■ Energy and Renewables projects spread across eight enablers of business confidence.
the conference represented a KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli (R20 billion) – including hybrid of the province’s 11 districts.
strategic realignment from intent praised the conference’s outcomes, and solar projects led by Inala This aligns with the Premier’s As the province leverages its
to implementation, reflecting a noting that KwaZulu-Natal has Energy and Astrum Energy. KwaZulu-Natal Secondary strategic location, world-class
province determined to reshape its entered a pivotal stage in its ■ Industrial Manufacturing Cities Network initiative, ports, industrial capabilities,
economic trajectory. economic evolution. (R16 billion) – notably through ensuring that growth reaches and fertile agricultural base,
The 2025 conference brought “This is a defining chapter in the Heritage IHS Graphite both metropolitan areas and the outcomes of KZNIC 2025
together government leaders, KwaZulu-Natal’s investment story Project, boosting beneficiation rural communities. reflect renewed investor trust and
development financiers, – a moment where vision met and export growth. Premier Ntuli extended his clear alignment with national
industrialists, entrepreneurs, delivery and ambition exceeded ■ Property and Urban gratitude to investors and economic priorities and the
investors, and community expectation,” said Premier Ntuli. Development (R12 billion) stakeholders, reinforcing African Continental Free Trade
innovators. Discussions focused “These are not just figures on – driven by major projects such the role of collaboration in Area (AfCFTA).
on unlocking project pipelines, paper; they represent partnerships, as Salt Rock City and the Sibaya economic transformation. Closing the conference,
overcoming barriers to investment, innovation, and hope. KwaZulu- Node. Premier Ntuli reaffirmed his
and driving collaboration between Natal is not only open for business ■ Tourism and Hospitality “Economic renewal cannot administration’s commitment to
the public and private sectors. – it is building a future defined by (R11.3 billion) – including be achieved in isolation. The ensuring sustained momentum
resilience, inclusivity, and global the expansion of Seaton Estate growth of KwaZulu-Natal
Describing the atmosphere competitiveness.” and complementary coastal beyond the event. “Your decision
as one of purposeful urgency, developments. is intrinsically linked to the to invest in this province is not
Sihle Ngcamu CEO of Trade Of the R100.1 billion pledged, strength of partnerships between simply a financial transaction
& Investment KwaZulu-Natal R75.3 billion comprises new ■ Logistics and Infrastructure government, business, and – it is a vote of confidence in
(TIKZN), emphasised that this greenfield projects, R13.1 billion (R10 billion) – linked to port our communities,” he said. our shared future. Together, we
year’s conference was not about brownfield expansions and R370 improvements and freight hubs. “Behind every investment figure are laying the groundwork for
promises but measurable progress. million hybrid investments. ■ Agro-processing and lies a story of opportunity a stronger, more inclusive, and
The conference’s objective Collectively, these are projected to Agriculture (R1.1 billion) – – for families to thrive, for globally competitive KwaZulu-
was clear: to ensure that the create approximately 60 270 direct supporting agricultural value entrepreneurs to grow, and for Natal – a province that works
conversations resulted in delivery jobs and 244 689 indirect jobs over chains and emerging our youth to see a future worth not only for business, but for all
on the ground. Every commitment the next five years. commercial production. believing in.” its people.” 

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